Monday, April 21, 2008 - Page updated at 04:47 PM
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Obama vows to boost Puerto Rico's economy
Associated Press Writer
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Monday laid out his plan to strengthen Puerto Rico's ailing economy and reduce a high rate of unemployment in the U.S. Caribbean territory.
Taking time away from preparing for Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, Obama's campaign vowed to create a task force to boost economic development and create jobs on the Caribbean island, which has a per capita income about half that of the poorest U.S. states.
Obama's plan would provide incentives to encourage U.S. businesses to generate jobs in Puerto Rico, which has 63 delegate votes and will hold one of the last primaries - on June 1 - followed only by Montana and South Dakota.
He also wants to encourage investment in rural Puerto Rico and explore programs to develop renewable energy to help charge the local economy, which has entered its third consecutive year of recession.
The campaign statement claims Obama, born and raised in Hawaii, understands the unique concerns of an island economy.
The tight race for the Democratic nomination between Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a senator from New York, has brought new importance to a U.S. island territory that traditionally has little say over U.S. national affairs.
There has been little indication of whether Obama or Clinton will fare better in Puerto Rico, where local politics largely revolve around the island's relationship to the U.S. mainland. But with the national spotlight on Puerto Rico, the local Democratic Party changed the contest from a caucus to a primary to encourage more people to participate.
Some analysts say Clinton's New York ties could energize her support here and reduce Obama's lead in the overall popular vote - possibly improving her case at the Democratic National Convention in August. Puerto Ricans cannot vote in the general presidential election.
Earlier this month, former President Bill Clinton spent two days in Puerto Rico urging islanders to give his wife a good winning margin in the June 1 primary.
He promised that Sen. Clinton would help Puerto Rico overcome its limping economy and unemployment that is roughly double the U.S. rate of 5.1 percent.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 06:06 PM
Palin resigns as governor, leaves plans secret
Eyman initiative looks likely for November ballot
Anti-illegal immigration initiative falls short
SC residents mixed over fate of cheating gov
Layoffs planned at Rainier School as DSHS deals with budget cuts

nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Bicyclist killed Wednesday night is identified
- Politics Northwest | Stephen Colbert takes on lawsuit against Seattle fireworks show
- Speculation grows for Boeing 787 plant in South Carolina
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Feds arrest 31 in drug raids from Lynnwood to Northern California
- 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
- Feds seize Madoff penthouse, wife leaves
- Rivals show up at Hutchison news conference
- Girl, 14, clung to life on jet debris off Comoros Island
- Winter snowpack melts into waterfalls
- Paddler's paradise: South Sound offers quiet and beauty
- Politics Northwest | Stephen Colbert takes on lawsuit against Seattle fireworks show
- Winter snowpack melts into waterfalls
- Speculation grows for Boeing 787 plant in South Carolina
- Jerry Large | An aging parent forces agonizing decision
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Liven up Fremont's attempt to break a world record for a 'zombie walk'
- Lynnwood's City Bank gets tighter scrutiny
- Costco contacts customers as beef recalled
- Bicyclist killed Wednesday night is identified





